The Reds haven’t been to the playoffs since 2013, and the rebuilding franchise doesn’t look much closer to returning in 2018.

For a team that finished in the top half of MLB in hitting (fourth, 4.65 runs per game) and park-factor scoring (13th, 1.020), the Reds still have a ton of work to do to become a successful team for the foreseeable future.

Their only addition this offseason was right-handed pitcher Vance Worley – and combined with the departure of All-Star infielder Zack Cozart, it felt like a negative offseason in Cincinnati.

Top draw

Perennial MVP candidate Joey Votto is always a can't-miss attraction.

Beyond the All-Star first baseman, though, there are some questions to be answered in the outfield, especially if Billy Hamilton is traded at any point this season. For now, Hamilton looks to man center and do his best to top the 59 bases he stole a season ago.

Adam Duvall, he of the 31 home runs and 99 RBIs a season ago, slots in at left field and Scott Schebler looks to have the inside track at the right field job. Schebler quietly jacked 30 home runs last season, but prospect Phillip Ervin could give him a run for the job.

If the Reds are going to make progress this season, it will start and end with starting pitching. Veteran right-handed Homer Bailey will join a young contingent of pitchers featuring Luis Castillo, Brandon Finnegan, Anthony DeSclafani and Robert Stephenson in an attempt to bolster a pitching staff that ranked 29th out of 30 MLB teams with a 5.17 ERA.

As for the bullpen, the Reds could win some late-game battles with opponents given their talent in the late innings. Hard-throwing righty Raisel Iglesias converted 28 of 30 save chances last season and even features an ability to go longer than an inning per outing.

Michael Lorenzen is an interesting setup option for the Reds, as the right-hander spent time as both a starter and closer with Cal-State Fullerton and has flourished in a multi-inning utility relief role with this team.

Position battle

Behind the plate, it will likely be a platoon situation between Tucker Barnhart and Devin Mesoraco on most days. Barnhart hit .270 last season while Mesoraco put up a .213 average in just 141 at-bats.

Breaking in

It will be interesting to see if either of the Reds’ top two prospects, third baseman Nick Senzel and outfielder Jesse Winker, crack a regular lineup spot at some point this season. Senzel, the second overall pick in 2016, hit .340 with 10 homers at Double-A last season and is entering his age-23 season. Winker made his debut last season and lost his rookie status.

For now, it looks to be Eugenio Suarez manning the hot corner in Cincinnati, while Jose Peraza replaces the departed Cozart and shortstop. While these certainly aren’t the most recognizable names, the true strength of the Reds' left side is their flexibility – as each player can play third, shortstop, or second base.

Cincinnati native Scooter Gennett returns to play second base after a power surge of 27 home runs last season to go along with a .295 average. The 27-year-old will look to build on what was a breakout campaign for him.